Slumber in Seville – Local’s Guide to Excellent Hotels

Penthouse bedroom Corral del Rey

As Spain’s most romantic city, Seville has a superb range of hotels, from grand palaces to intimate townhouses, in every style from cutting-edge contemporary to classic chintzy, and to suit every budget. Seville resident Fiona Flores Watson aka Scribbler in Seville reveals some of her favourites.

By Fiona Flores Watson

Best view: the EME Catedral

This avant-garde hotel next to the cathedral was a ground-breaker for Seville, with its gourmet restaurant (which sadly just lost its Michelin star), trendy bar with DJs, and rooftop space. The rooms are on the minimalist side; make sure you ask for one facing the cathedral, as apart from the fab view, the ones at the back tend to be noisy. From the multi-level roof bar, open all the year round (unlike many), the Giralda and hanging buttresses are spectacular, especially when lit up at night. There’s even a ground-floor bar and tapas bar as well with outdoor tables, so you never need lose sight of the glorious basilica. Rooms from with 180 euros with breakfast. http://www.emecatedralhotel.com.

Eme Catedral

Best hideaway for couples: Corral del Rey

With just six rooms (and seven more in the annexe across the road), this converted mansion is in a quiet street in Alfalfa. Although it doesn’t have a restaurant, breakfast can be served either in the ground-floor space or on the roof terrace, where you can also have tapas and drinks, or meals by special arrangement, while the atmospheric vaulted basement is perfect for intimate evenings. For the ultimate romantic break, the penthouse in the annexe has its own private pool and terrace. All the rooms have yummy bar snacks, iPod docks and rain-showers or oversize bathtubs. Rooms from 308 euros with breakfast. http://www.corraldelrey.com/

Hotel Amadeus

Best themed: Amadeus

With sheet music on the walls, a grand piano in the foyer, and a sound-proofed rooms with pianos – as well as recitals – this family-run hotel is a must for music-lovers. The 17th-century mansion in Barrio Santa Cruz also has classical CDs and books about opera, as well as instruments for guests to use, should the muse strike during your stay. Rooms from 75 euros without breakfast. http://www.hotelamadeussevilla.com

Sacristia Santa Ana

Best for la marcha (a night out): Sacristia Santa Ana

Plum in the middle of the Alameda, Seville’s boho-trendy barrio, this hotel is popular with the gay community. It has a delightful arcaded patio with a fountain and columns, and the décor is French-country style with toile de jouy fabrics and white-painted wooden furniture. Some rooms are on the small side, but have bags of character; the larger ones, overlooking the main drag, have coffered wood ceilings. From 69 euros including breakfast. http://www.hotelsacristia.com

Hotel Elvira Plaza

Best for Barrio Santa Cruz: Elvira Plaza

In one of this area’s prettiest squares, close to the main sights, this small hotel has light, simply furnished rooms, some with their own flower-filled balcony and even a tower. The rooms are above a restaurant, Doña Elvira, but you’re also close to many excellent tapas bars. Rooms from 53 euros including breakfast. http://www.hotelelviraplaza.com

The Living Roof

Best hostel: The Living Roof

Backpackers will love this friendly hostel – as well as a communal kitchen, it has a roof terrace offering wonderful views (it’s near the river, but you can see the Giralda) offering drinks, tapas and live music. You can choose from a range of options, including dorms with shared bath, and four beds with private bath. They also offer cycle hire. Beds from 11 euros including tax and breakfast (bed linen included, towels extra). http://www.thelivingroofhostel.com/

One Comment

Sitting in my room in the Sacristia de Santa Ana, I must say that I love the concept of Amadeus. Would they have a double bass? And could you make chamber music arrangements with other guest? Like on your reservation you write: I play double bass and bring the score and the parts of the Trout Quintet, who wants to join?